The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) will gain new powers to shut down unsanitary food vendors starting tomorrow as the new Food Safety Act officially comes into effect, Health Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel announced.

Speaking at a press conference today, Minister Khaleel explained that the MFDA's previous capacity to enforce food safety regulations was limited by outdated legal frameworks.

However, the new legislation will introduce a more comprehensive set of food safety standards, covering the size of food preparation spaces and other previously unregulated areas.

While the Public Health Act currently mandates inspections for food manufacturers, hotels, and restaurants, there has been no structured system to monitor the hygiene practices of homemade food sold in shops.

According to Minister Khaleel, tracking the origins of these items has posed a significant challenge, making it difficult to ensure accountability.

Under the new law, all food products must have proper labeling, enabling the identification and tracing of homemade goods sold in stores.

The MFDA will also have the authority to close establishments found in violation of hygiene standards and will oversee their reopening once the necessary corrections are made.

Minister Khaleel stressed that the bulk of hygiene issues stem from unregistered vendors, particularly those operated by undocumented expatriates.

He encouraged the public to report any unsanitary food items being sold and announced plans to establish a streamlined reporting system, complete with a dedicated hotline.

In addition to increased enforcement powers, the new law introduces stiffer penalties, with fines reaching up to MVR 1 million.

This marks a significant increase from the current maximum fine of MVR 10,000 under the Public Health Act.